Virtual School Dispatches

Circles in the Virtual World Learning, sharing or talking circles are a great way to build an inclusive and welcoming class community. By creating such an environment, students are more likely to take risks and share their personal thoughts and feelings. Additionally, students will be more likely to accept other students and speak up for the rights of others. When used with fidelity, they are also a great way to solve classroom problems, discuss current events or events that are impacting students’ lives, and to discuss curricular matters. The value of circles extends beyond circle time. Here are 9 tips for using circles in Zoom. Have the question/topic shared and visible to all students (not just through the chat). This way students who arrive late are not as disruptive. Share and review the core principles of sharing/talking circles. Respect who is talking and has the talking piece Listen with respect Speak with respect. Remain in the circle. Establish how students will share while h

Excellence in Education: A Guaranteed Curriculum that Challenges Students and Establishes High Expectations As a teacher, I led a transition program for ninth grade students who were considered “at risk.” One of our early mantras was to   meet students where they are to help each student grow.   After year two of the program, the six-member team--reading specialist, math teacher, science teacher, English teacher, reading specialist, and myself (social studies)--met with our assistant superintendent and a George Mason University professor for what I knew was going to be a tough conversation. By most metrics, we were making progress, but we were falling short in math and science. Our primary problem lay with our interpretation and application of   meeting students where they are to help each student grow.   Yes, we must look at each student as an individual to ensure their growth, but for many of our students, this was not enough. We were not exposing our students to a challenging curric